Rodgers' transfer update

Brendan Rodgers today reaffirmed his determination to bring new players to Liverpool by the time the 2012-13 Barclays Premier League season gets underway.

The boss also admitted he has held talks with Andy Carroll regarding his Anfield future and stressed the importance of Daniel Agger to his squad, declaring he was thrilled with the defender's focus in pre-season.

Rodgers was speaking at a press conference at Melwood, in which he confirmed his aim is to introduce new faces to bolster his ranks by the end of August but added that he was under no pressure to sell players.

The manager admitted: "We've been linked with an incredible amount of players, but I'm very reluctant to speak about other players at other clubs.

"I know I've got a bit of work to do here. We've got to improve the squad - there's no question about that but unfortunately it takes a wee bit of time. It's not as easy as some people think, especially when you are a club of this status.

"It's a little bit more complex but my intention is to bring in another few players. As I've always said, I'd love them to be here sooner rather than later but the most important thing is that they are here by the end of August. Then we will know the group of players we will be working with until January at least.

"We've got some good players and I want to give a lot of the players here a chance, but I know I need to bring in a number of players, even to replace the ones who have left. This is a club that people want to be at and hopefully they will come in over the next few weeks."

Meanwhile, the manager revealed he has held conversations with Carroll and admits to having been impressed by what he has seen from the young England forward so far.

"When I first came in I had a conversation with him about where I thought he was at," said Rodgers. "I've got to say Andy has been terrific. He knows exactly where he stands. He's like every player - he'll have to fight for his position.

"There are not many clubs you can go to and be a guaranteed starter. I understand Andy wants to play games but he also really enjoys it here and I have had a number of conversations with him.

"So we're just seeing how that develops but by the time the window shuts, whatever players are being speculated about, everyone has to be focused purely on being here. And certainly with the likes of Andy, from what I have seen, that has been the case."

Asked by reporters about the possibility of Agger moving away from the club, Rodgers replied: "Daniel is a top player and any manager will tell you that they don't want to lose their best players.

"But I suppose at every club, and we've seen it throughout (football), every player has a price.

"For me he is a top-class professional. I've really enjoyed working with him and speaking with him over the last number of weeks since he's been in. You're always going to have your top players linked (with moves away).

"But certainly for me, I'm not forced to have to sell anyone, which is important. Daniel is a very, very important player for us here. We'll see what happens between now and the end of the month but for me he is getting back up to speed.

"He's a good guy, he loves the club here and he loves the supporters. He's been here seven years now and he's really focused on his work here.

"But like I say, you can never say never and I'm a realist, so we'll see where it goes between now and the end of the month."